Better results in prosecution of human trafficking in Ukraine are in focus of OSCE supported discussion

A poster from an awareness-raising campaign against human trafficking, supported by OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Ukraine. (OSCE)

KYIV, 13 May 2013 – Ways to enhance the prosecution of human trafficking offences and improve the protection of victims’ rights in Ukraine was the topic of a discussion started in Kyiv today with the support from the OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Ukraine (PCU).

The two-day event, jointly organized by the OSCE PCU and the country’s High Specialized Court for Civil and Criminal Cases, Prosecutor General's Office and Interior Ministry, brought together more than sixty law enforcement practitioners from 13 regions of Ukraine. Judges of the regional appeal courts, prosecutors, investigators and detectives will discuss positive practices and challenges related to the investigation and prosecution of various forms of trafficking in human beings.

Special attention will be paid to the protection of the rights of trafficking victims.

“It's important to make sure that traffickers feel no impunity and receive adequate punishment,” said Ambassador Madina Jarbussynova, the OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Ukraine. “At the same time, it's crucial to ensure that victims of human trafficking are treated with dignity, and their rights are protected and restored as a result of such prosecution.”

The event participants will also discuss impact of the recently adopted Criminal Procedure Code of Ukraine on the law enforcement response to human trafficking.

The second round of discussions involving experts from 14 other regions of the country will take place on 27-28 May in Odessa. The outcomes of both discussions are expected to be reflected in the official recommendations prepared by the High Specialized Court of Ukraine for Civil and Criminal Cases.

These events are organized as part of an OSCE PCU-implemented project aimed at enhacing the prosecution of human trafficking and cybercrime in Ukraine.